Lemon is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen and goes perfectly with both fish and meat dishes. Its fresh, citrusy flavour adds an extra layer to everything from delicate fish fillets to succulent meat, and creates a nice balance in dishes. In this article, I share five delicious recipes in which lemon plays a starring role, with both fish and meat on the menu. These recipes are ideal for those who love a varied meal and are looking for a fresh twist.
Lemon chicken with garlic and rosemary from the oven
A classic casserole in which the fresh flavour of lemon combines perfectly with succulent chicken, garlic and fragrant rosemary.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs or chicken fillets
- 2 lemons, in segments
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the chicken in a baking dish and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper and the crushed garlic.
- Place the lemon wedges and rosemary around the chicken. Add a knob of butter for extra flavour.
- Roast the chicken in the oven for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the chicken with the roasted lemon wedges and fresh rosemary as garnish.


Grilled salmon with lemon and dill
A simple but sophisticated dish combining salmon with the classic flavours of lemon and fresh dill. Perfect for a light, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 lemons (juice and rind)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan.
- In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt and pepper.
- Coat the salmon fillets with this mixture and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
- Grill the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until cooked and lightly caramelised.
- Grill the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until cooked and lightly caramelised.
Pasta with scampi, lemon and garlic
A quick and tasty pasta dish with garlic prawns and a fresh lemon sauce. This light, Mediterranean meal is ready within 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti or linguine
- 400 g shrimps, peeled and cleaned
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 lemons (juice and rind)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Drain and save a cup of the cooking liquid.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large frying pan and fry the garlic briefly until fragrant.
- Add the prawns and fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked.
- Stir the lemon juice, lemon zest and some of the cooking liquid into the prawns.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce and season with salt, pepper and fresh parsley.


Lamb shanks with lemon, thyme and honey
A luxurious and flavoursome dish where lamb shanks are slowly simmered with lemon, thyme and a touch of honey. The lemon adds a fresh flavour to the rich lamb.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 lemons, in segments
- 2 onions, in rings
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 300 ml chicken or beef stock
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan and brown the lamb shanks all around. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Fry the onions and garlic in the same pan until soft.
- Add the lemon wedges, thyme and honey, and pour in the stock. Bring to the boil.
- Return the lamb shanks to the pan, cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Serve the lamb shanks with the stewed lemons and a dash of the sauce.
Lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberries
For a luxurious breakfast or brunch: fluffy pancakes with a hint of lemon and creamy ricotta. The fresh lemon flavour and sweet blueberries make this dish irresistible.
Ingredients
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 lemon (juice and rind)
- 150 g flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100 ml of milk
- Fresh blueberries
- Icing sugar or honey for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the ricotta, eggs, lemon juice and zest in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and milk and stir to make an even batter.
- Heat a little butter in a frying pan and spoon mounds of batter into the pan to make small pancakes. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve the pancakes with fresh blueberries, a little icing sugar or honey and extra lemon zest for extra freshness, if desired.

Lemon adds a fresh, bright flavour to both fish and meat dishes. From succulent oven chicken to luxurious lamb shanks and light pasta with prawns, lemon is a versatile ingredient that takes any dish to the next level. Try one of these recipes and discover for yourself how this simple citrus fruit can be a true seasoning in your kitchen!